| Takayama Betsuin | 古井神社 |
| Takayama (高山市) | March 24, 2019 |
Takayama Betsuin Shorenji is a splendid Jodo Shinshuu Otani sect temple in the scenic town of Takayama in Gifu Prefecture. Jodo Shinshuu is by far the most common kind of Buddhism in the Hida area of northern Gifu.
The text in the center reads “Kueissho”, a phrase in Japanese Buddhism meaning that everyone will meet again in the Pure Land.
As we drove up this chilly morning in March, we passed piles of snow on the side of the tollway before flurries started falling. Most of Japan was already warming up and enjoying sakura season. It’s amazing how much the temperature in northern and southern Gifu differs. Make sure you have snow tires if you plan on driving there during the colder months.
We stood in line for over an hour outside of Menya Shirakawa for Takayama Ramen. Japan loves its regional specialties, and everyone who visits Takayama gets excited for Takayama Ramen. Some other local specialties include Hida beef, hidagyuman, and mitarashi dango.
If you ever get the chance to visit, take your time walking around the historic town and check out all the small shops. If you live in Japan, you can also check out the bridge in Takayama that sometimes appears on the weather forcast in winter.
You can see some other goshuin from Gifu Prefecture here.
